Method of detection and electric detector of acupuncture and ignipuncture points



Sept. 6, 1955 Filed July 31 1951 P. POURET 2,716,979 METHOD OF DETECTION AND ELECTRIC DETECTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE AND IGNIPUNCTURE POINTS 2 Sheets-Sheet l I )4 van for P1 erre Pou re? A f' forney Sept. e, 1955 Filed July 31 1951 P POURET METHOD OF DETECT ION AND ELECTRIC DETECTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE AND IGNIPUNCTURE POINTS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 In van/0r P/Prre Raw/"6) United States Patent METHOD O DE'IEfiTJON ANDELECTRIC DE- "moron, F Acununcruns AND,IGNlRUNC.-.. TURE POINTS,

The i o 't s etessn invention. is the ectrical detection of particular c t ne us points the lOCation of Which is e sar for a treatment y a upuncture or ignipuncture.

It is l d hat n medica ience he w rd sh: puncture means the intro ction of n dles into the cutaneous tissue n the wst tfi hinuhc. thebumin of a point of he. tss t ts ihh de t re eterm a hypodthhic hi s h said burams a e ahssdby electrical combustion, a cantery, etc,

It is undoubtedly proved, that, when thereis a dis,-

f n o a l ng o a an on y n shsh cas certain. points of the cutaneous covering hecosne sensitive and even painful. These points havefa m jirnurnof 2 diameter n in a h sass lssshan 2. 99112% sa h organ causes the sensitivity vof-one or several particular points.

A ps sh isst eh the e Poin s status s a action on the corresponding organ,

The Object of h press t hrs ishisa method an v apparatus for locating th s Rhflit t lar points which will; be designated as c ma mss whi wqsls trs ss of Which one, e nated SFXPlQFtB is i a d an the Patient, ahd he other, des n ted as retu s Ph sed in Contact with a x point t h Pa ie t a e connected to a current source through theagency of a condenser, and pp p re lat ng deme its; w en e PlQtt electrode is in contactwith a ermatomefithasrbeen noted that the resistance between said two electrodes becomes practically zero andthe condenser. discharges, causing the functioning ofa signal.

The present invention is hereinafter described with reference to the annexed drawing in which, land-2 are Schematics o sctthhissie ists mhhd ihs the pres: ent invention. u

In Fig. 1, an appropriate direct current designated: by 1, produced from a source of alternating. eurretn t, in any suitable ma e y tr n hrhtsr fi-t, b d filter condenser 3 011 F. 1) is applied to voltage divider. 4 which charges eondenser 5 "throughv resistance 6, Explorer es rode & QPPWWQ a ran e ur the trode 10 at 8. When explorer electrode} is on a point, Condenser 5 har es y elect od s lh, hrou h resistance 11. The potential drop produced in resistance r 11 causes an impulsetobe transmittedtocathode eye. 12 through capacitanee 13. The cathode, eye 12 has an anode 101, o sssht srssalfllt r st 19 a d .934 and cathode 0 a hhlhofi sr h h vacuum h anode 101 is connected through resistances 105 and 1035, to a line connecting the fluorescent screen 1Qg with the voltage divider 4 which in turn is connected to one side of the condenser 5. Whenthe condenser 5 is discharged through the resistance 11, there is produced a voltage E=ri at the terminals of said resistance soiely during the time of such discharge. This voltage impulse is transmitted to the grid 103 of the cathode eye 12. A decrease in voltage on the grid 103 produces an increase in current i on the plate 101 and therefore anincrease in the voltage 2,716,979 Patented Sept. 6, 1955 dropqbetween the .two resistances 105 and 106 with a resulting variation in .voltage between the plate 101 and the fiuorescenttscreen 102. This variation causes a sector of shadowito appear on the screen, the extent of the dark surface being determined by the difference in potential occurring between the plate 101 and screen 102. For each discharge of the condenser 5, .the cathodic eye blinks once only. The sensitivityofthe cathodic eye 12 is regulated by potentiometer 14. It should be understood that any equivalent indicating means can be used instead of the cathode eye, whiehis also known as a magic eye .or le ron .rav indica or.

In the assembly heretofore described a compromise between the adjustment of voltage divider 4 and potentiorneter 14 allowscontact with the patient in the best conditions of sensitivity. According to the degree of disfunction of the organ corresponding to the point under exploration,- the resistance between 7 and 8 varies, h th max mhm o ensi iv y is reached r a p e theadihs men o o tag divid r 4 n p iometer 14 is such that it is just above the faculty of ta ing. he fl sh n ;ioran sition o t dell p nts q z ce p orcr el ctro e.

Referring-nowt-to Fig; 2, it is seenthat a relaxation e e h t s Q sa a, syicep cvid hs a predetermined ime in erv a sss prist Q 'a p tode tu 21 an a a Q thyratr hi9.. .1 The p a of h thvratron 22 is, connected-through a resistance to the positive side of an incoming direct current U116 26, 2.7. The control grid 23 isconnectedto a voltage divider comprising resistances MtandZS' connected across the direct current line. The values ofthe resistances 24 and 25 are selected to provide the desired bias of the thyratron and hencev itsignitipnvoltagp. The secondgrid 28 and the cathode of thyra tron z 9 are connected between the plate of pentode tube 21 and condenser 30 ofwhich the charge voltageiisthnsregulatedby-the valueof resistances 24, 25, the second plate of the condenser being connected to the conductor of incoming current 26. Cathode 31 and suppressor grid 32 of the pentode tube are connected by a corninon conductor through resistance 33 to incoming negative current conductor 27, eventually grounded at 27 The, first grid (signalor control grid) 34 is connected to negative conductor 27 by conductor 35 and the voltage of second grid (screen grid). 36 is regulated by a resistance or pntentiorneter placed in bridge formed by resistances 3,8, 39, between conductors 26 and 27. Potentiometer 37 thus allows the modification of the tube screen voltage and consequently the condenser charge current, inother words the condenser charge and disha getime i t v ls.

The embodiment constituted by pentode 21, thyratron 2g, resistances 2,4,: 2,5, condenser 30 and potentiometer 37 functions lilgea clock giving electrical impulses in saw tooth for-mend at adjustablefrequencies.

a impul es a e ra sm tt d y the n y of denser, 40in control. grid 41. of a second thyratron 42. Saidthyratron is. part of .an-embodirnent comprising voltage divider ,43, condenser 44,- resistance and two terurinals 46 and 4.7.to which are connected fixed electrode 48 and explorer 49'applied to. the patient. The charging circuit of the condenser, 44. is constitutedby thyratron 4; in; series, with condenser 44 and voltage divider 43, connected in shunton the lower half bridge comprised ofresisttt l s and placed-between negative conductor Z7 and positive conductor 26, and its discharge circuit is const tiut ed by resistance-45, terminals 46, 47 and;

Branched between resistance 45 and terminal 47, condenser 51 transmits impulses, the amplitude of which is regulated by the agency of potentiometer 52, to grid 53 of cathode eye 54 mounted in the known manner.

For convenience of employing this latter indicator, the cathode eye is mounted with advantage in a holder or probe terminated by explorer electrode needle 49, the whole joined to the main body of the apparatus by a flexible cord.

As heretofore described, the relaxation device comprised of thyratron 22, charge pentode 21, and condenser 3t), produces saw tooth impulses, the frequency of which is regulated by potentiometer 37.

These impulses free periodically, in acting on the grid of thyratron 42, a charge circuit comprising condenser 44 and voltage divider 43.

it is recalled that the anodic current of a gas triode is created suddenly when, for a predetermined negative grid polarisation, the anodic voltage exceeds a given value.

The level or" this charge is shown by the high internal resistance voltmeter (5000 ohms per volt).

When terminals 46 and 47 are connected to the patient by the agency of explorer electrode 49 and return electrode i8, and said explorer electrode is on a point or dermatome, the condenser discharges at each relaxation device impulse and the voltmeter tends to indicate towards zero. The voltage drop indicated for a predetermined position of voltage divider 43 gives what is known as the value of the point. Said value can be defined as the dilierence between the voltage drop produced in the segment 48, 49 (E =ri) and the nominal voltage E of voltage divider 43.

These impulses are then transmitted by the agency of condenser 51 and potentiometer 52 to grid 53 of cathode eye 54 and cause a greater or lesser opening of the luminous part of said cathode eye.

In order to ensure the best sensitive conditions, potentiometer 52 is adjusted in such a manner that the luminous sectors of the cathode eye are just joined when electrodes 43 and 49 are not connected to the patient. In proceeding in the manner heretofore described, there can be appreciated, at the moment when said electrodes are applied to the patient, the difierences of the order of a few tenths in the cathode eye opening, and therefore the determination of the approach of the point.

For an ideal functioning condition, that is to say for a practically zero resistance between electrodes 48 and 49, the voltmeter needle returns practically to zero and the cathode eye sector opens at the maximum.

The cathode eye is also known by designation electron ray indicator or magic eye.

I claim:

1. A method for locating particular cutaneous tissue points for the practice of ignipuncture and acupuncture comprising the steps of charging a condenser, electrically connecting one terminal of the condenser with an area of contact on said cutaneous tissue, intermittently making an electrical connection between the opposite terminal oi the condenser and different points of contact on said cutaneous tissue spaced from said area of contact and indicating the discharge of said condenser when the electrical resistance between said area of contact and one of said points of contact is sufiiciently low to discharge the condenser through the cutaneous tissue and the conncctions between the condenser and said tissue.

2. A method for locating particular cutaneous tissue points for the practice of ignipuncture and acupuncture comprising the steps of charging a condenser with a voltage of saw-tooth waveform, electrically connecting one terminal of the condenser with an area of contact on said cutaneous tissue, intermittently making an electrical connection between the opposite terminal of the condenser and different points of contact on said cutaneous tissue spaced from said area of contact and indicating the discharge of said condenser when the resistance between said area of contact and one of said points of contact is sufficiently low to discharge the condenser through the cutaneous tissue and the connections between the condenser and said tissue.

3. Apparatus for locating particular cutaneous tissue points for the practice of ignipuncture and acupuncture comprising a condenser, means for charging said condenser, a discharge circuit comprising a plate adapted to be held in contact with an area of said cutaneous tissue, a contact point adapted to be brought into contact successively with selected points on said cutaneous tissue and means including a resistance coupling said plate and con tact point respectively with the terminals of the condenser, and an indicating device connected to the circuit including said resistance to indicate flow of current through said resistance upon discharge of the condenser when said contact point is brought into contact with a low resistance point on said cutaneous tissue.

4. Apparatus for locating particular cutaneous tissue points for the practice of ignipuncture and acupuncture comprising a condenser, a source of saw-tooth-form pulsating potential, means connecting said circuit to said condenser to charge the condenser, a discharge circuit comprising a plate electrode adapted to be held in contact with an area of said cutaneous tissue, a contact point adapted to be brought into contact successively with selected points on said cutaneous tissue and means including a resistance coupling said plate and contact point electrode respectively with the terminals of the condenser, and an indicating device connected to the circuit including said resistance to indicate flow of :current through said resistance upon discharge of the condenser when said contact point is brought into contact with a low resistance point on said cutaneous tissue.

5. Apparatus for locating particular cutaneous tissue points for the practice of ignipuncture and acupuncture comprising a condenser having terminals of opposite polarity, means for charging said condenser, a discharge circuit comprising a plate adapted to be held in contact with an area of said cutaneous tissue, a contact point adapted to be brought into contact successively with selected points on said cutaneous tissue and means including a resistance connecting said plate and contact point respectively with the terminals of the condenser, and an electron ray indicator connected to the circuit including said resistance to indicate flow of current through said resistance upon discharge of the condenser when said contact point is brought into contact with a low resistance point on said cutaneous tissue.

6. Apparatus for locating particular cutaneous tissue points for the practice of ignipuncture and acupuncture comprising a condenser having terminals of opposite polarity, a circuit for producing a saw-tooth-form pulsating current, means connecting said circuit to said condenser to charge the condenser, a discharge circuit comprising a plate adapted to be held in contact with an area of said cutaneous tissue, a contact point adapted to be brought into contact successively with selected points on said cutaneous tissue and means including a resistance coupling said plate and contact point respectively with the terminals of the condenser, and an electron ray indicator connected to the circuit including said resistance to indicate flow of current through said resistance upon discharge of the condenser when said contact point is brought into contact with a low resistance point on said cutaneous tissue.

7. Apparatus for locating particular cutaneous tissue points for the practice of ignipuncture and acupuncture comprising a condenser, a source of saw-tooth-form pulsating potential, means connecting said circuit to said condenser to charge the condenser, a discharge circuit comprising a plate electrode adapted to be held in contact with an area of said cutaneous tissue, a contact point adapted to be brought into contact successively with selected points on said cutaneous tissue, a discharge circuit coupling said electrodes respectively to opposite terminals of said condenser, and indicating means connected to said discharge circuit to indicate changes in the resistance of said cutaneous tissue when said contact point is brought into contact therewith.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in said indicating means is a high resistance voltmeter connected between said electrodes.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said discharge circuit comprises a grid-controlled thyratron having its space current path connected between one of said electrodes and one terminal of said condenser, and means for applying a pulsating potential from said source to said grid.

10. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said source of pulsating potential comprises a relaxation oscillator including a source of direct current potential, a thyratron tube and a pentode tube having their space current paths connected in series with said source of direct current potential, and a condenser connected between 20 the anode and cathode of said thyratron tube.

11. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said discharge circuit comprises a thyratron having an anode, cathode, and grid, said anode being connected to one terminal of said condenser, said cathode being connected to one of said electrodes, the other of said electrodes being connected in series with a resistance to the other terminal of said condenser, and means for applying a pulsating potential from said source between said grid and cathode.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said indicating means comprises a high resistance voltmeter connected between said electrodes.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said indicating means comprises an electron ray indicator operatively connected to the circuit including said resistance.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

